The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is seeking proposals to improve and enliven public plazas to become active spaces that reflect the unique and dynamic cultures of Chicago’s neighborhoods.

One of Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s strategies for improving Chicago’s neighborhoods is to create public spaces that cultivate community activities and cultural events in Chicago’s neighborhoods through placemaking. CDOT is seeking creative proposals that demonstrate innovate ways to program and enliven these public spaces.

Chicago currently owns nearly 50 plazas, many of which are underutilized. They range in size from 200 to 14,000 square feet. The City intends that its plazas be beautified and activated to reflect the unique and dynamic cultures of the various neighborhoods.

The plan to activate these plazas also furthers the goals of the Chicago Cultural Plan. Released in October 2012 by Mayor Emanuel and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), the Chicago Cultural Plan created a framework to guide the city’s future cultural and economic growth, and to further elevate the city as a global destination for creativity, innovation and excellence in the arts.

CDOT is looking for innovative plans from entities with experience in placemaking, community engagement and programming, vendor selection and management, and experiential marketing to provide a unique solution for the City’s plazas.

Due to a request from several potential respondents, the original September 30th proposal deadline has been extended by two weeks.

Proposals now must be received by CDOT no later than Tuesday, October 15th, 2013 at 12 p.m. One (1) electronic copy of the proposal, one (1) hardcopy original and five (5) duplicate hardcopies should be submitted in a sealed envelope or package labeled as shown below: